Alcatraz Penitentiary Baseball Field - Unisex Sweatshirt

​Established in 1938, the Alcatraz Penitentiary Baseball Field offered inmates a rare escape from their confines, allowing them to engage in America's pastime within the prison's recreation yard. Each weekend, prisoners were granted two hours of yard time, during which they organized softball games—a variant chosen due to space constraints. Lacking official uniforms, inmates made do with provided gloves, bats, and balls, adapting standard rules to fit their unique environment; notably, balls hit over the wall were considered outs rather than home runs. Teams bore names reflecting both major and minor league clubs of the era: the amateur division featured the Bees, Oaks, Oilers, and Seals, while the more competitive league teams included the Cardinals, Cubs, Giants, and Tigers. These games were more than mere recreation; they served as a vital outlet for physical activity and social interaction, fostering a semblance of normalcy amidst the island's isolation. However, the competitive spirit occasionally led to tensions and altercations on the field. Despite these challenges, the baseball field remained a cornerstone of inmate life until the prison's closure in 1963, symbolizing resilience and the enduring human spirit even in the most restrictive environments. This design is part of our retro baseball collection, inspired by the defunct baseball teams, fields and history of yesteryear. Printed on our warm & cozy heavyweight unisex sweatshirt. We print & ship all of our high quality graphic sweatshirts in the USA.